What to Eat In The DMV: Plant Based Eats

CAVA

I’ve been a fan of CAVA since they first began to pop up in the DMV area while I was in high school. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded to beyond the DMV area, so my NJ folks can enjoy this one too.

CAVA is a line style restaurant that allows you to mix and match a customized Mediterranean style bowl. If you looking for good food that’s prepared fast and economical I highly suggest CAVA.

What I typically get in my bowl - super greens, brown rice, lentils, falafel or roasted vegetables, all the toppings that don’t have dairy except the chips and mint.

True Foods

This restaurant is based on an alkaline based diet but not center around solely meat/dairy free options. They have options for any diet which makes it a great lunch/brunch spot. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the service was fair. I order 3 courses because I wanted to get a full taste of the menu and was really happy with my appetizer and dessert, but I will say that my pesto pizza was disappointing.

I was really excited to give this a try because I really enjoy the combination of pesto and artichoke. Unfortunately, the pizza was so oily that it lost the flavor combination. It was very flat and one dimensional in my opinion.

Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisp

coconut ice cream, strawberry and rhubarb filling, crisp topping

Probably one of the most refreshing and light summer dessert. The combination of subtle coconut ice cream and berries was amazing.

First Watch

A great breakfast/brunch spot that had options for a standard diet and plant-based diet. I’ve been to both locations in Montgomery County, and the service at the Rockville location is a lot better than the service at the Muddy Branch location.

I usually get savory foods because I love a savory breakfast. The avocado toast with potatoes or spring greens is my usual go to. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side I suggest an açaí bowl!

Oyamel Cocina Mexican

I typically think the best type of cuisine to appease both plant-based and standard diet eaters is Mexican food. If you’re in the china town or Penn quarter area in DC I’d recommend Oyamel Cocina Mexican restaurant. While my partner's brother and his girlfriend were visiting the city we met up with them to enjoy some good food, and of course, a good margarita. The atmosphere was nice even though I’m pretty sure the host intentionally gave us the worst seats in the restaurant, but that’s another post for another day.

The restaurant is a small plate, similar to tapas, style restaurant so I order two dishes just to be safe.

Machuco relleno de frijól con salsa negra -

Plantain and butternut squash fritters stuffed with black beans and served with a chipotle chile and piloncillo sugar sauce

This was such a great combination of savory with a touch of sweet. I wasn’t a huge fan of the chipotle chile and piloncillo sugar sauce, so I opted for the house salsa and mixed it with their habanero hot sauce.

I’ve had cactus before and it reminded me of okra due to its slimy texture. I wanted to give it another try to see if I enjoyed it grilled more than fried. The flavor profiles of this dish were spot on, the salsa mixed with the grilled flavors made it worthwhile. I will say that if you’re selective about food textures and don’t enjoy slimy textures then I wouldn’t suggest this dish.

The house habanero hot sauce deserves its own praise. I consider myself a hot sauce and margarita connisur. I’ve traveled all over and I judge Mexican restaurants off of their margaritas and hot sauces.

If you enjoy spice, heat and a touch of pain from your hot sauce then you have to add this sauce (sparingly) to your meal!